Hi all,
Would Kyleakin be a good spot to stay if I wanted to see The Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the surrounding area?Is there anything to see or visit near there? Still planning trip, changing plans and creating new ones.Someone suggested this area to stay in for a night or two. We also want to see Loch Lommond and Finnich somewhere/sometime during our trip.
Thanks in advance for any information!!
Kathy
Hi, Kathy,
There are some nice B&Bs in Kyleakin, and a couple of hotels. One of the hotels, I don't remember which, is pretty run down. There are a couple of decent restaurants as well, including a very good Indian restaurant. However, other than sleeping and eating, there's not really a whole lot to do in Kyleakin. After the Skye Bridge replaced the ferry, Kyleakin, which was the island terminus for the ferry, gets passed by for people hurrying on their way to Broadford and Portree.
That having been said, Kyleakin would probably not be a good base for exploring Skye, as it's in the far northeast corner of the island. If you're planning on a couple of nights on Skye, you'd be better off in Broadford or Portree. Portree is the most centrally located town on Skye, as most of the main roads travel through or close to it. It's also very handy for the Trotternish , Duirinish, and Waternish Peninsulas. Broadford is good if you're planning to visit Elgol and/or Loch Coruisk, or the Sleat Peninsula. Both Portree and Broadford have plenty of accommodation, provided you reserve early, and several good restaurants.
However, if you're planning on spending time in the Plockton area, in addition to Skye, and are planning to visit Eilean Donan Castle, Kyleakin may be a good central location for you. But if you're not going to be spending a lot of time on the mainland around Skye, then head farther north and west on the island.
Best wishes,
Mike (Auchterless)
p.s.: You can visit Loch Lomond on the way to or from Skye. The A82 runs along the west bank. It's not too bad a drive, but the best place to see the loch is from the village of Luss, which is not too far the south end of the loch. Finnich Glen, previously little known, but made popular in season one of "Outlander," is not too far from the village of Drymen (pron.: "Drimmin"), which is just southeast from the bottom of Loch Lomond. So if you're coming back from Inverness or Skye, you could follow the A82 down Loch Lomond, then take the A811/A809 on your way to Airth Castle.
I would second Mike's advice. Kyleakin is perfectly nice, but not a good base for touring Skye. Portree and Broadford are both more central and have more accommodation and dining options.
Thank you Skyegirl and Mike!!
I really appreciate the suggestions!! My friend and I have decided we are going to spend a few nights on Skye, so we will look into reservations that Mike suggested. We definitely visit Loch Lommond too. My friend and I looked over what and where we wanted to go and visit and picked out specifics. We also added two extra days at the end of original planned trip to go and see thing we missed or other things we may hear about while there and want to go and see. Thank you both for your help!!!! I can't wait to go. Making the final reservations this weekend and then am going to really start looking into picking out a decent waterproof jacket and hiking shoes.
Thanks!!
Kathy
